Decent cities in Virginia (Richmond, Roanoke: taxes, to live in, cost of living)

[jeb412]

As someone moving from northeast PA to Blacksburg, those of us from the North see VA as a reasonably milder climate. I've been back and forth between PA and VA quite a few times over the past 6 months. You guys are about 3 weeks ahead of us as far as Spring goes, and your Fall lasted much longer than ours (Winter arrrives quick around here in PA.) Of course in Spring (as in Fall), you have your extremes in temps. But overall, VA is a milder climate than PA, or CT. If the original post was still interested in 4 seasons, just milder, I think VA is a good choice.

[Teebyrd86]

Obviously you didnt read my other post stateing that I am not suggesting the Richmond school system but rather outlying districts surrounding Richmond. When someone suggests Richmond as a place for someone to move it dosnt nessasarly mean to Richmond City. Just like if I told someone I was going to Richmond for the weekend, I am not going to The City of Richmond but rather Henrico where my parents live.. but I wouldnt say "I am going to Henrico this weekend to visit family".... No I would say Richmond. And no I am not in Richmond but my intire family is and we communicate by something called the telephone..

Originally Posted by RonMaverick804

You're not even in Richmond.. Also OP said she has teenagers. Are you going to seriously suggest the Richmond school system??

[Teebyrd86]

I agree!

Originally Posted by jeb412

If the original post was still interested in 4 seasons, just milder, I think VA is a good choice.

[Canine*Castle]

Originally Posted by ToughLuv

If your coming to Virginia in hopes of avoiding cold weather, your going to be highly dissapointed. It's no CT but its definitely cold enough, everyone I know down here from up-north even says the same thing. It's April 21st and were stil having cold days here and there, while my friend in TX brags to me about high 80's/lower 90's right now.

If you just have to come to Virginia, I would say VA Beach then Chesapeake second, you and your kids would probably enjoy it.

I haven't a clue why your friend would brag about the temperatures in Texas. It's getting way too warm here. Let's see if he brags in another few weeks through the month of October. If he does, he's pulling your leg.

[Canine*Castle]

Originally Posted by RonMaverick804

Wwhat are you talking about???

"But today in Richmond for example its in the mid 60's, much too warm for a winter coat."

um no actually it is in the mid 50s and it is raining. Yes you do need a winter coat unless you're crazy. It does not seem like VA has seasons anymore it is either hot or cold, I have not seen spring/fall in a year or two.

One is not crazy because one likes cooler weather. I keep the heater off in my house for most of the Winter (in Texas) and the house is pleasantly nice when it's in the 50s indoors. 50s is not cold. I would suffocate in a coat in that degree.

[Canine*Castle]

Originally Posted by Teebyrd86

Wow you guys crack me up! Winter coats? Cold days in April? Give me a break! I am a Virginia Native (born and raised in Richmond now living in Roanoke) and I honestly think you are midleading the OP. Now I will say that Va weather is strange. One weekend in March or April will be 70 deg then the next will be in the 50's. But today in Richmond for example its in the mid 60's, much too warm for a winter coat. I agree Va can have its cold days in the winter but that is what the winter is all about. Va has its seasons and thats what makes it so wonderful. I could never live in a place without its distinct four seasons (winter, spring,summer and fall). My adivice to the OP is that Va. weather is actually much warmer than Ct. but will never have the weather that Texas has if I wanted to live in Texas weather I would live in Texas! I honestly dont like 80-90 deg days in April (even though this weekend is in the 80's!) Now as for the summer it does get very hot and muggy here but it dosnt last that long, I would say 2-3 months of the year. Move to Va. and enjoy all it has to offer including great weather! Its hard for me to pin-point one particular city for you since there are many wonderful ones to live in here. If you like the fast paced life check out Northern Va. ie: fairfax, arlington, ect. For a more laid back atmosphere check out Roanoke, friendly folks, great school systems, and a very good cost of living. Or for a mix of the two Richmond. If you have any more questions feel free to Private Message me. Have a good day!

Does it get that hot and muggy say....south of Roanoke around the Galax, Hillsville, or the Floyd area? According to what I've been reading, it doesn't. That's the area where I'd love to live.

Give me 50s any day all year. It's going to be in the 80s today where I live in Texas, just a taste of what's to come in a few weeks and not ending until October, not pleasant at all.

[Teebyrd86]

hey, unfortunatly I am not very familiar with those areas, but they are in higher elevation than Roanoke so I would assume it would be cooler in those areas than here in the Valley. It is pretty hot this weekend with temps in the near 90's.

Originally Posted by Canine*Castle

Does it get that hot and muggy say....south of Roanoke around the Galax, Hillsville, or the Floyd area? According to what I've been reading, it doesn't. That's the area where I'd love to live.

Give me 50s any day all year. It's going to be in the 80s today where I live in Texas, just a taste of what's to come in a few weeks and not ending until October, not pleasant at all.

[ToughLuv]

Originally Posted by Canine*Castle

One is not crazy because one likes cooler weather. I keep the heater off in my house for most of the Winter (in Texas) and the house is pleasantly nice when it's in the 50s indoors. 50s is not cold. I would suffocate in a coat in that degree.

VA winters usually range from 30-50 on an average day, it can definitley get under that at night. It was 50 that day, but its late April and obviously Spring not Winter. And we were not complaining that 50 was cold, but that it was just a week or so from May and weather even that cool was showing up. There's plenty of days and nights in VA in the teens and 20's.

[Canine*Castle]

Originally Posted by Teebyrd86

hey, unfortunatly I am not very familiar with those areas, but they are in higher elevation than Roanoke so I would assume it would be cooler in those areas than here in the Valley. It is pretty hot this weekend with temps in the near 90's.

With the research online that I've done, that's what I thought. I just hope one day I can move there and enjoy better weather.

[matthews1965]

Hi there,
My two cents is this - go to weatherunderground.com and do your own research regarding our weather.
We are not one of the more southern states - but you know that. I love our seasons, we actually have 4 seasons and along with that we do have some cold weather. I have had many friends and relatives from CT love our weather. I have never heard anyone NOT moving here due to our weather!! Roanoke is a great place to raise children. Read some of the posts from folks who have relocated to our fair city. I must say that I visit Richmond and our weather is different - we are often protected by the mountains. My husband wore his overcoat twice this winter and the only time I found to wear my great coats were when we visited the market and "walked around". It's great here - just do your homework (I'm sure you will) and come visit!! Best of luck!